Outline of Dominica island with gradient color

Dominica

CETI's research takes place in the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, also known as The Nature Island.

Aerial photo of Dominica island

About our focus
on Dominica

A core part of CETI’s mission is for new research and knowledge about the sperm whales to bring more attention to the Dominican-led marine industry and support Dominica’s conservation leadership in the Caribbean.

All research and findings by CETI in Dominica will be open-source and will be available for Dominican-led research and initiatives.

OUR PARTNERS IN DOMINICA
  • Black in Marine Science
  • Dominica National Youth Council
  • Dominica State College and Dominica’s Ministry of Education
  • National Geographic
  • Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Scientific equipment against concrete backgroundAquatic robot interacting with fish
Tools of the Trade

That Make the Work Possible

A mix of research vessels, boats, and other equipment are critical to our success. When we’ve completed our work, all equipment will be donated to CETI’s local entity at the completion of the project for continued use by Dominican researchers.

OUR FLEET
CETI 1
SAILING RESEARCH VESSEL
OUR FLEET
CETI 2
Rigid inflatable boat
OUR FLEET
CETI 3
Locally made boat
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CETI buoy with yellow trim floating on water
CETI-1 sailing vessel out on the ocean with team
Sperm whale diving toward bottom left

Marine Conservation Fellowship

Now accepting 2024-2025 Applications

Learn more

CETI’s capacity-building initiative, Dominica Marine Conservation Fellowship, is a 10-month, multi module training program for young Dominicans interested in marine science. The program’s curriculum (co-created with National Geographic) includes sessions on marine science, scientific research/techniques, water and vessel skills and storytelling and leadership among other topics.

CETI fellows participate directly in CETI’s research, have the opportunity to engage in a variety of programming and mentorship opportunities and receive diving certification. Fellows also engage with local schools and organizations and complete a final project as part of the program. After they graduate from the program, fellows remain involved as mentors, session facilitators and community leaders.

Objectives
1
Ensure local access and inclusion in CETI's research
2
Support and elevate local conservation efforts
3
Support increased monitoring and understanding of Sperm Whales and the ocean
Fellows Khade, Whitney, and Omari standing in front of tropical foliage

Leadership

Instill confidence into emerging local leaders to allow them to speak with authority about their natural heritage marine conservation.

  • Intrapersonal development
  • Goal setting & mentorship
  • Public speaking
  • Team-building
  • Stress and time management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Leadership styles
  • Giving/receiving feedback
Khade and Whitney on boat

Science

Build capacity and increase local whale monitoring efforts by sharing research techniques that can be utilized to monitor and manage marine species.

  • Participation in CETI’s at-sea research and on-site robotics laboratory
  • Data collection and management
  • Analysis of whale populations, monitoring, assessment and reporting as a team
  • Photo-Identification of individual animals
  • Conservation theory and ocean policy
  • Included in scientific publications
David Gruber standing with group of fellows

Outreach

Empower storytellers with the tools necessary to advocate for marine life, at both the community and government levels.

  • Cultivation of storytelling skills through National Geographic educational content
  • Exposure to blue economy jobs, local fisheries, ecotourism
  • Contributions to gov’t initiatives, NGO work
  • Participant-led projects in their communities (e.g. schools)
  • Use of video, web, social platforms to amplify participants’ projects
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Our Approach

Featured Fellows

2022 - 2023 Fellow

Whitney McLawrence

A graduate of the Dominica State College where she attained Associate degrees in geography and biology. She is currently a high school science teacher at St. John’s Academy in Portsmouth and aspires to pursue an advanced degree in marine biology. Whitney grew up in Portsmouth and spent much of her childhood at the beach with friends swimming which fuelled her love for the ocean and piqued her interest in its complexity and biodiversity. She considers herself a “passionate advocate of the ocean ” and is looking forward to completing her SCUBA diving certification during Project CETI’s 10-month Marine Conservation Fellowship.

I'm a passionate advocate of the ocean
2022 - 2023 Fellow

Omari John-Rose

A student of the Dominica State College pursuing an Associate degree in Mathematics at the Dominica State College. He is from the fishing village of Layou where he actively fishes with his family and others in his community. As a CETI fellow, Omari hopes to use his background in science and mathematics, combining this expertise with his passion for marine science. He is extremely excited about working with the CETI scientists in fields such as marine biology and robotics and learning new skills and building connections.

I find it interesting to observe how different species of fish interact with their environment and with one another, and for that reason I hope to pursue a career in a related field.
2022 - 2023 Fellow

Khade Elwin

A student of the Dominica State College and is currently pursuing an Associate degree in Mass Communication. In addition to her interest in marine sciences, she also has a passion for writing, storytelling, video editing and the arts.

This was the perfect opportunity to marry my two passions together and advance my dreams to make documentaries & shorts that explain aquatic life.
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Listen to the Whales!

We’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest breakthroughs and progress.

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